Question

A burn victim comes to the ER and presents with burns on his RUE, anterior trunk, and RLE, as well as severe dehydration.

What kind of IV fluid would be administered?

Answer 1

A burn victim with severe dehydration is typically administered an isotonic saline solution such as 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) to replenish lost fluids and maintain proper electrolyte balance.

Step-by-step explanation:

For a burn victim presenting with burns on his RUE (Right Upper Extremity), anterior trunk, RLE (Right Lower Extremity), as well as severe dehydration, the type of IV fluid that would typically be administered is an isotonic saline solution, such as 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl).

This solution is isotonic with respect to body fluids, meaning it has an equal concentration of solutes, and so it helps to replenish lost fluids without causing additional shifts in fluid balance.

In some cases, depending on the electrolyte levels and the specific needs of the patient, a mixture of isotonic saline and a balanced electrolyte solution could be used to address both dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Additionally, in severe burns, burn patients are at risk for infections and could require other treatments like intravenous nutrients and antibiotics to aid in tissue repair and prevent infections.